I'm starting to look at snows for my F10. Looks like there are two mfgs for 245/40/19 RFT being Pirelli and maybe Nokian.

I'm assuming the Pirelli will be under a BMW P/N (if it's a BMW P/N its covered under BMW's Wheel and Tire insurance). Tire Rack is listing it's only RFT 19" tire as Pirelli Winter Sottozero at 384/tire.

I looked at Bimmerworld's spare if it went non-RFT, and wow between the donut and the cover it really adds up.

There's a Blizzak in 17" (had them for a 3 series once before), and TR didn't show any RFT for 18."

Just wanted to know if anyone else is starting to look at snows and are there any options out there. I'm probably going to stay with RFT.

I think you can get by with all-seasons, which I agree are no season. It's the other jokers that I'm concerned about.

Gran Turismo

10-05-2012 04:26 AM

In Europe, BMW is suggesting the 245/45R18 winter tire size for the 550i (17" doesn't fit). The Dunlop Winter Sport D3 (RFT) in that size are great, also on dry and wet roads.

dunderhi

10-05-2012 06:47 AM

I went with Michelin Pilot Sport PA3 in 18".

Gilgorm

10-05-2012 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gran Turismo
(Post 7114948)

In Europe, BMW is suggesting the 245/45R18 winter tire size for the 550i (17" doesn't fit). The Dunlop Winter Sport D3 (RFT) in that size are great, also on dry and wet roads.

The winter tire package from BMW Canada is identical to above using the 18" V spoke 281 rim. The only 19" listed is for the M5 which may not fit properly. Check with the dealer if you want to go that route.

schnell525

10-13-2012 12:11 AM

For the U.S., after talking with my parts guy, it's the same set up for 550xi's with sport. 18" Style 281 with 245/45/18 Dunlop SP Wintersport 3D ROF. I'm probably going to go that route. BMW is being vey competitive. I could go 19" but with a decent price it'll get close to wheel swap-outs over the next 3 seasons.

solstice

10-13-2012 12:25 AM

If you are going 19s. Italian or finish for a snow tire hmmm...

mg650

10-13-2012 05:14 AM

To anyone that has owned the 550xi over a winter: are the oem tires ok in the snow? ( I have the m sport 19's) I havent been planning to switch them out and have presumed i'll be "ok" in light snow -although i am not expecting to drive through a blizzard.

If you want RFT winter tires these are designed specifically for the 550i. I have had them for the past two winters and they are great. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25s.

fplanner2000

10-13-2012 08:06 AM

I've got dedicated 18" M rims for snows - Michelin Pilot Alpin. Great ride and handling, very good in light to medium(5-6") snow. For heavy snow, Range Rover. Wouldn't do runflats if you paid me (which BMW did and I replaced them with Pilot Super Sports). Really hurts the cars performance, IMO.

kssod

10-13-2012 01:15 PM

Anyone run the 17" tire and wheel package from tire rack?

neurom

10-13-2012 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kssod
(Post 7131906)

Anyone run the 17" tire and wheel package from tire rack?

I have the same question. The 528 base has 17" and tirerack has a 17" package, so why some say the 17" won't fit?

dunderhi

10-13-2012 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neurom
(Post 7132419)

I have the same question. The 528 base has 17" and tirerack has a 17" package, so why some say the 17" won't fit?

If Tirerack says they will fit, they should fit.

schnell525

10-14-2012 12:57 AM

For me, I get around 120-140" of snow a season so I'm inclined to get snows. I'm not a fan of the ROF GY's that came with the car. They aren't great. They don't give the car the rubber it needs. But...again they aren't bad. I've driven them through some really bad roads (have about 2,200 miles on the car now) and haven't had any problems. With the hp/tq. of the 550, I think dedicated snows, being RFT or non RFT would be a benefit.

Recently in some rain and temps in the low 40's, it didn't seem to have that great of grip--as we all know all-season tires are no season if we boil it down to performance. And the F10 (not trying to start a war here) that the 550 has some power. I think your driving scenarios and where you need to go dictate a lot. I might need to take some all-important road trips to doc appointments out of town that are scheduled 6 months in advance. I might travel ahead of time to get there--but I want snows to help if weather is bad.

I've had RFT Blizzak LM25's on a 328xi and the car was a tank. I don't know if they have any advantages over the Dunlops which BMW is putting together as a "kit or assembly." I've had Dunlop Wintersports before and they were great tires.

I think if you get rare snowfall, that you'll be fine with all-seaon tires if you know how to drive. However with my weather conditions, not having snows is just asking for it. Another plus, is that if I'm going with an OE BMW Part Number, it's covered under my wheel and tire insurance.

Calgary Agent

10-14-2012 09:19 PM

18" non staggered Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7

tjangi

10-16-2012 12:37 PM

I have the Tire rack package 17 inch wheel with blizzak, they are also great for potholes :) last winter was a non event, so not sure how they handle in snow. I hope I never find out...